kennedy facing off against richard nixon, a fierce debater. but on screen, kennedy looks cool and calm. while nixon looks uncomfortable, sweating profusely under the hot studio lights. >> i think i better shave. >> reporter: nixon flounders under the glare of television for all four debates. kennedy goes on to win the election. in 1976, president gerald ford makes this blunder in his debate with georgia governor jimmy carter. >> there is no soviet domination of eastern europe and there never will be under a ford administration. >> i'm sorry, could i just -- >> reporter: the remark becomes a central theme in carter's campaign. and is blamed by many for costing ford the election. in 1980, ronald reagan repeatedly attacked by president carter for his stance on health care. >> governor reagan, as a matter of fact, began his political career campaigning around this nation against medicare. >> reporter: but reagan wins fans and the election by staying cool. >> there you go again. >> reporter: four years later, president reagan again uses humor to ha